Red, White, and Blue Fruit Charcuterie Board

By Ashley Jean June 28, 2023 31 mins read 108 Views

Celebrate the Fourth of July in style! This red, white and blue fruit board is a great way to celebrate Independence Day. This crowd-pleasing appetiser is the perfect way to entertain without fuss.

Photo credits: Andrea Gralow

Mediterranean hospitality is defined by a table full of mezzes that can be shared. Party platters are part of my DNA. Charcuterie platters that are big, beautiful and bold are my favorite for stress-free gatherings. They are great for brunch, with smoked fish, for an afternoon picnic or crudites.

The fruit charcuterie platter, which includes a variety of meats and cheeses with an easy honey yogurt sauce, is a fun way to add some festive fun to any 4th of the July party. There's no need to bake a cake, or even frost it!

Grill some chicken thighs with zucchini and a fruit and cheese plate to start your Fourth of July celebration. Make pitchers of red-white sangria, and then fill each glass up with blueberries and grapes to take your red-white and blue party a step further.

Use this recipe to create a fruit charcuterie for any color-themed party, from Halloween to Valentine's Day, or even baby showers!

Table of Contents

Fruit Charcuterie Board Ingredients
How to Make a Red, White, and Blue Fruit Board
How to mix it up
How to serve this Fruit and Cheese Platter
The Best Recipes for 4th of Jule Partys
Red, White, & Blue Fruit Charcuterie Board Recipe

Fruit Charcuterie Board Ingredients

Like all my other platter recipes, this fruit charcuterie should only be used as a guide, not a rule. Party platters are my favorite way to use any half-full bottles I have in the fridge. Use the nuts, cheeses, spreads and fruits you like or have in your fridge.

Fruits: Blueberries, blackberries, blueberries and purple grapes all fit in with the color scheme. But they are also delicious. These fruits pair well with salty meats and cheeses. If you're looking for fruth options, raspberries (add a small bowl to collect the pits) and cherries are also delicious.
Greek yogurt A bowl of tangy Greek yoghurt, drizzled in honey, makes a beautiful centerpiece and an irresistible dip for fruit.
HoneyI add honey to the honey yogurt dip. You can also place a small dish on the side and drizzle it. I love our Alfa Honey, but you can use any honey of high quality.
Raspberry Jam:A vibrant, red raspberry jam not only complements the rich and creamy cheese but also the tartness.
Cheese:I selected havarti blue and feta for their variety in flavor, texture and color. You can also use pecorino or goat cheese. If you want to get the most out of your cheese selection, try a variety. Try hard and soft varieties as well as cow's or sheep's milk.
Choose the cured meats that you prefer. I chose prosciutto salami and capicola as they are my favorites for pairing with cheese and fruit. To stay on the Mediterranean Diet, think of meat as just a small portion of a larger plate filled with fruits and nuts.
Crackers This cheese board is sweet, savory and tart all on its own. It's not necessary to use a sweet or herbed cracker in order to make a statement. Choose a plain, white cracker to let the fruit platter do all the talking.
NutsCreamy almonds or blanched cashews (skinless), add a rich, salty, sweet, and crunchy flavor that doesn't compete with the fruit and cheese. Pecans, pistachios or Marcona Almonds can also be used.

How to Make a Red, White, and Blue Fruit Board

This fruit charcuterie platter can be built on a large serving platter or cutting board. Have extras on hand if you are serving a large group. This will allow you to replenish the most popular items when people nibble.

You can also build your table or island using a large sheet of parchment paper. These are the basic steps that can be modified to suit your vision.

Make a centerpiece. One cup of Greek yogurt can be scooped into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the honey and place the yogurt in the center of the board.
Staggering the bowls. Place a small bowl with 1/4 cup raspberry jam in another area of the board. You can then arrange the rest of your ingredients around these two bowls.
Fill in any gaps. Cut a small piece of watermelon in wedges, and place it around the bowls. Create piles of berries using 1 pint each of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and grapes. Fill in any remaining gaps with 6 ounces each of havarti, blue cheese and cubed feta. You can also use a star cookie cutter to make stars out of the cheese slices. Sprinkle 1/2 cup blanched almonds and 1/2 cups cashews over the board.
Serve. Place plain crackers on the side or in a separate place.

Mix It Up

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit the occasion. Here are a few ways you can make it fit your party.

Baby Shower:Use only blue fruits if you're having a baby boy shower or red fruits if it's a girl. It would also be fun to use all red fruits for Valentine's Day!
Sports Game: Use seasonal fruits and jams to match the colors of your favorite team. You can even make competing boards with friends who are rooting for the other team.
Christmas: Serve cranberry sauce with green and red winter fruit like apples, blood oranges and pears.
Halloween:Use orange or dark purple fruits and vegetables in October, such as carrots, persimmons and candied pumpkins.
St. St. Patrick's Day - Build a board that is all green, like the Green Goddess Board.

What to serve with this Fruit and Cheese Platter

This easy, versatile recipe is a great way to start any Fourth of July celebration. Keep it casual and simple if you're serving the appetizer to kick-off your Fourth of July festivities.

Try new variations on classic BBQ dishes, such as Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Romaine Salad.

Pour keep your guests hydrated at large parties, pitcher cocktails will do the trick. I admit that I have more favorite drinks than I should. Make some pitchers of Red Sangria, and White Sangria. Garnish with blueberries and purple grapes to match the theme.

The Best Recipes for 4th of Jule Party

Meat and poultry

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs With Dill Yogurt Sauce

Entree

Salmon Burgers

Greek

Best Greek Lamb Burgers

Greek

Greek Potato Salad (No Mayo!)

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Red, White, & Blue Fruit Charcuterie Board

This festive red, white and blue fruit charcuterie recipe is perfect for Fourth of July and other parties. This dish, which is sweet-salty-photogenic and easy to prepare, is perfect for entertaining. You can even prepare it ahead of time, wrap it and put it in the fridge. It's ready and waiting for you when your party begins.

Appetizer Course

Cuisine American/Mediterranean

Prep Time 10 Minutes

Total Time 10 Minutes

Servings

Calories 332 Kcal

Author Suzy Kardsheh

Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1 pint blueberries
1 pint blackberries
1 pound strawberries
1 pound purple grapes (like Concord)
1 small melon Cut into small triangles (triangles),
6 ounces Havarti cheese, cut into slices
6 ounces blue cheese or stilton, a small wedge
6 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes
half to 3/4 pounds Italian meats
Crackers Plain white crackers I like for this board
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup blanched almonds

Instructions

Place the Greek yogurt in a small bowl, and then add the honey. Place the honey in the center of your board.
Stagger your bowls. Place the raspberry jam in a smaller bowl, and then place it on a different part of the board. You can then arrange the rest of your ingredients around these two bowls.
Fill in the gaps. Place the crackers, nuts, fruits, meats and cheeses on the board around the two bowls.

Notes

If you are serving a smaller group, halve your amounts. Just make sure to keep some extras on hand so that the board can be replenished as necessary.
Browse our online shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 51.3g

The Mediterranean Dish first published the post Red, White, and Blue Fruit Charcuterie Board.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: Red, White, and Blue Fruit Charcuterie Board
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/fruit-charcuterie-board/
Published Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods can you not eat on a Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet does not include certain food groups such as processed foods and unhealthy fats. To maintain the health benefits of this diet, certain foods should not be consumed. Consuming these items occasionally can still be part of a healthy diet, but consistently eating them can counteract the potential health benefits of following a Mediterranean eating plan.

Whole-grain breads and starches (such as white bread, sugary breads, and other highly processed baked goods) are not allowed on a Mediterranean food plan. These items are quickly absorbed into your system as sugars and may lead to blood sugar spikes that cause weight gain over time. They also lack vitamins and minerals as compared to whole grains like quinoa and millet.

Other forms of sugar also fall into this category. As such, limit your intake soda, tea with additional sugars, and juices. These sweetened drinks won't support weight control or healthy nutrient profiles.

In Mediterranean-style meals, it is important to exclude red meats from any meal plans. Red meats and processed meats have high levels of saturatedfat, which can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk for heart disease, and other metabolic syndrome-related issues that could lead to more severe illnesses. Nitrates found in processed lunchmeat can raise cancer risks because they are linked to cell damage responses and may be harmful to cells. Avoid eating dairy products as they can contain high amounts of saturated fats.

According to nutrition professionals, fish should not exceed three times per weekly.

What is the Mediterranean diet for rice?

Mediterranean diet includes rice, which is both permitted and encouraged. This dietary pattern emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts, and a moderate intake of dairy products, fish, meat, and poultry. Whole-grain rice is an excellent carbohydrate source that provides energy to the body. You can also get a lot of dietary fiber, which can help you digest and provide important nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium. You can add rice to soups, stews, or salads. If you eat rice-based dishes, it's a good idea to limit added fat.

What are the basic principles of the Mediterranean diet?

Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle choice that focuses on healthy and nutritious foods and regular physical activity. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes and healthy fats such olive oil and nuts. A moderate amount of dairy, meat, fish, and poultry is also encouraged. Red wine is encouraged in moderation. These are the basic principles of the Mediterranean diet:

Eat primarily plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables; whole-grain bread and cereals; beans (legumes), nuts, and seeds; healthy fats from olive oil and olives; small amounts of low-fat cheese; yogurt (preferably nonfat); fish (at least twice a week), small amounts of lean poultry or red meat about once per week; minimal fried foods.
It is better to choose fresh ingredients than pre-packaged, processed foods whenever possible.
Use herbs instead of salt to enhance your meals.
Include physical activity in your daily life, such as walking after dinner or taking part in an exercise class.
Enjoy meals with your family and friends, and enjoy the pleasure of sharing food.
Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your food's flavors, textures, and smells. This will help to identify when you feel satisfied and full.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal will be allowed in the Mediterranean Diet. Oats are whole grains and can provide good sources of dietary fibre and minerals like iron or magnesium. They can be served with blueberries and nuts, as well as savory ingredients such eggs and cheese. Oatmeal can also be used to make healthy breakfasts. Oatmeal can be added to smoothies, used as a topping in protein bars or simply eaten plain with almond butter and various toppings like cinnamon, gojiberries and chia seed. Oats are widely popular in many countries part of the Mediterranean basin, so many consider them compatible with this type of diet.

Can the Mediterranean Diet be vegetarian?

Yes, you can adapt the Mediterranean Diet to be vegetarian. This eating style can be followed by vegetarians who omit meats such as red meat, poultry, fish, and other animal proteins. You can choose from a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as legumes, nuts and seeds. These are all staples in the Mediterranean Diet. Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and olives can be added to compensate for any sourced protein. You can also incorporate alternative dairy sources like tofu and soy yogurt to get vitamins and minerals, while still following a vegetarian diet. Other ideas include adding nuts and seeds to salads or bowls, mashing beans on toast, substituting ice cream for frozen banana slices, or serving hummus with vegetables throughout the day.

What should I be eating in a Mediterranean day?

A Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats and protein and lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains. A Mediterranean diet should have seven to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables each day and at least two to four 3-ounces of lean meats such as fish and chicken. You can also eat healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, in moderate amounts. Each day, aim to eat at least three portions of whole grains like quinoa, barley and oats.

Limiting foods that can be harmful when consumed regularly is crucial. This includes all processed foods, sugar, unhealthy oils, starches, sweetened drinks like soda or juices, and red meats that contain saturated fats or nitrates. Avoiding dairy is a good idea. If you do want to include dairy, it should be done sparingly. Fish should not be consumed beyond three times per week because of potential mercury contamination issues affecting its nutritional value if overlooked during meal planning stages.

Planning meals can ensure that you are getting the best from your Mediterranean diet. It is important to consider the nutritional benefits and how they will affect your heart health.

It is possible to have a pleasant experience following a Mediterranean diet. This includes delicious and nutritious food items. Choose high-quality proteins such as wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, and organic eggs to ensure the healthiest meals. Include heart-healthy fats in nuts, olives. avocados, extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Coconut oil. Whole grains like quinoa, barley and oats should be included in your meals. Also, avoid unhealthy fats and added sugar as well as processed foods, starches red meat, and processed milk products.

Is the Mediterranean diet predominantly plant-based

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet is primarily plant-based. This ancient diet is primarily based on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes (nuts), and seeds. Due to their history around the Mediterranean Sea, however, some animal proteins like red meat, poultry, and fish are not as prevalent in this ancient diet. You can choose to avoid these protein sources if you are a vegetarian/vegan. Tofu and soy yogurt are excellent options for additional nutrition and protein.

Statistics

1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)

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How To

What Does the Mediterranean Diet Do to Support Brain Health and Reduce Cognitive Decline?

Mediterranean eating is a way to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and legumes. It also includes healthy fats and a low intake of red meat and added sugar. It has been linked with many health benefits including better brain health. According to research, the Mediterranean Diet can slow the aging process and reduce the risk of developing dementia. It may help with mood disorders, and provide protection against oxidative injury as it can protect against aging-related oxidative damages.

The Mediterranean diet supports brain health and helps to reduce cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts antioxidant-rich food items like fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, has the greatest benefit. Monounsaturated fats from olive oil, for example, help to maintain adequate levels of omega-3 in the body. This is a crucial component in maintaining a healthy brain. Additionally, limiting processed carbs may improve mental clarity. They stabilize blood glucose levels throughout a day and lower inflammation associated with chronic illnesses like stroke or Alzheimer's.

A Mediterranean diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins such as fish or poultry, whole grains, olive oil and moderate dairy consumption will help maintain adequate nutrition to prevent cognitive decline. Engaging in moderately vigorous physical activity will increase serotonin levels, which can support mental well-being. Combining these tips can increase one's odds of attaining good physical and mental health status into old age.